Doran St Grade Separation Project

To enhance safety and access at the high-risk Doran St rail crossing near the Los Angeles–Glendale border. By separating drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists from the active rail corridor, the project reduces conflicts with trains, strengthens connections between Glendale and Los Angeles, and supports more reliable travel for everyone, including emergency responders. It is mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). 

The Doran Street at-grade crossing is one of the most hazardous in Los Angeles County. About 82 passenger and freight trains travel through the corridor each day, and the Doran St crossing gates are down about 7.5 hours each week. The California Public Utilities Commission has directed that safety improvements be made at this location. The project provides replacement access without leaving the industrial area dependent on a single access route while closing the at-grade crossing. 

The safety and access improvements will be delivered in three phases: 

• Doran St Grade Separation Project (2026-2030): A new roadway connection between W San Fernando Rd and the Fairmont Ave bridge, extending West San Fernando Rd beneath SR-134 and across Verdugo Wash on a new bridge to connect to the existing Fairmont Ave bridge. 
• Salem and Sperry Overpass* (TBD): A new overpass connecting Salem and Sperry streets. 
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge* (late 2027-early 2032): A dedicated bicycle and pedestrian bridge over San Fernando Rd and the rail corridor at Doran St providing access to the Glendale Narrows Riverwalk and LA River. *Depending on funding availability.

As the improvements are completed, the existing at-grade rail crossings at Doran St will be permanently closed to vehicular traffic but with enhanced west-east access for pedestrians and cyclists along San Fernando Rd in Atwater Village and City of Glendale. 

The Doran St Grade Separation Project extends West San Fernando Road beneath SR-134 and across Verdugo Wash on a new bridge, connecting to the existing Fairmont Avenue bridge. The work also includes new roadways, sidewalks, accessible ramps, lighting, signals, and drainage to create a safer, more connected route across the corridor. 

Early construction is expected to occur mainly in the Verdugo Wash and nearby Caltrans areas, with the Doran St crossing remaining open. A later stage will require closure of the Doran St at-grade railroad crossing to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. During that period, people who need to cross the tracks will need to use Broadway/Brazil. 

Freeway ramps are expected to remain open during construction of the Doran St Grade Separation Project, although short-term lane shifts or reductions may occur on Doran St. The project is designed to maintain access to nearby businesses and industrial properties, including large trucks. During the Doran St closure, truck and vehicle traffic needing to cross the tracks will use Broadway/Brazil. 

No. The new Doran St Grade Separation Project is for vehicles only. When the Doran St at-grade railroad crossing closes, pedestrians and bicyclists will use Broadway/Brazil to cross the railroad tracks. A separate future bicycle and pedestrian bridge is planned to provide a dedicated connection across the rail corridor, but its construction schedule and funding has not yet been confirmed.

Metro will provide additional information about construction, traffic, and detours once confirmed. Community members are encouraged to sign up for project updates to receive advance notification that may affect travel or local access.